Neurturin evokes MAPK-dependent upregulation of Egr4 and KCC2 in developing neurons

Neural Plast. 2011:2011:1-8. doi: 10.1155/2011/641248. Epub 2011 Jul 4.

Abstract

The K-Cl cotransporter KCC2 plays a crucial role in the functional development of GABA(A)-mediated responses rendering GABA hyperpolarizing in adult neurons. We have previously shown that BDNF upregulates KCC2 in immature neurons through the transcription factor Egr4. The effect of BDNF on Egr4 and KCC2 was shown to be dependent on the activation of ERK1/2. Here we demonstrate that the trophic factor neurturin can also trigger Egr4 expression and upregulate KCC2 in an ERK1/2-dependent manner. These results show that Egr4 is an important component in the mechanism for trophic factor-mediated upregulation of KCC2 in immature neurons involving the activation of specific intracellular pathways common to BDNF and Neurturin.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Animals, Newborn
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Early Growth Response Transcription Factors / biosynthesis*
  • Early Growth Response Transcription Factors / physiology
  • Hippocampus / metabolism
  • K Cl- Cotransporters
  • MAP Kinase Signaling System / physiology*
  • Mice
  • Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases / physiology
  • Neurons / metabolism*
  • Neurturin / physiology*
  • Organ Culture Techniques
  • Symporters / biosynthesis*
  • Symporters / physiology
  • Up-Regulation / physiology*

Substances

  • Early Growth Response Transcription Factors
  • Egr4 protein, mouse
  • Neurturin
  • Symporters
  • Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases